Vehicles lose their shine the longer you use them, especially in the interior. The seats may begin to discolour from regular use, the dashboard may collect grime and stains, and the interior may start smelling unpleasant. The floors and mats are usually the most affected because of foot traffic. Experts advise cleaning your vehicle’s interior at least a couple of times each month, but that may not always be enough. Sometimes, only a complete restoration job can breathe new life into it, enhance its comfort and extend its life. So, if your vehicle’s interior looks uninspiring, here are some helpful tips for restoring it. 

• Start with a thorough cleaning

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Don’t confuse this with a few minutes of dusting off your dashboard and wiping your seats. A thorough interior cleaning job is more detailed and takes a lot more time than just a few minutes. Start by removing all loose items and debris from the interior space and finish it up with an intensive vacuuming job targeting every nook and cranny. Ensure that you reach every corner and crevice where dust can collect. 

Next, clean your carpets and dashboard, but please use only the right cleaning products on them. Different surfaces require different cleaning approaches to suit the material. For example, you cannot clean a leather surface the same way you will a plastic one. Also, different seats may require different cleaning methods. For instance, how to clean boat seats may differ from how to clean car seats. 

• Repair and refinish the surfaces

Once you finish your thorough cleaning job, the next step is to target all repairs and fix them, from torn seat covers to scratches and dents on the dashboard. Again, different issues require different solutions. For example, a torn seat cover may need replacing with a new one, or you can use a patch kit to make the old one look as good as new. You can restore your dashboard surface, trims, and panels with specially formulated products. If you’re unsure what product to use, please consult a professional upholsterer. Unfortunately, there’s not too much you can do about stained and worn carpets except to replace them.

You can also find specially formulated products for cleaning seats. Please remember that different refinishing products may work for different seat materials, so be sure you’re using the right cleaning product. The same applies to the refinishing process. 

• Consider changing all seat covers and upholstery 

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There’s no specific period to replace seat covers, but once they start looking unsightly, they need to be changed. You’ll be surprised by how much new seat covers will impact your vehicle’s interior ambience. Focus only on highly quality materials that will enhance or at least complement your vehicle’s interior. Different options are available, from faux leather to other premium-quality materials. You can also settle for regular leather, which also creates a luxurious feel.  

But if you want something more budget-friendly, consider custom upholstery. You’ll find many experts capable of tailoring new covers to perfectly match your seat type and size. They may not be as luxurious as leather, but they sure will create a clean and professional interior look. 

Vehicle Interior

About the Author: John Loughran